This article appears in print in the June 2018 issue, as part of the “85 Best Outdoor Adventures” cover story. Click here to subscribe.

Someday Farm Vegan Bed and Breakfast
> This rustic Whidbey Island property, on 70 acres between Langley and Coupeville, is only available for group rentals ($35 per person), with indoor sleeping arrangements—including bunks and a converted school bus—for 4–12 guests, as well as outdoor tent camping, making it the ideal spot for family reunions and large gatherings. Enjoy owner Jill Campbell’s vegan breakfast on the patio before heading out for a day of hiking, running, cycling or canoeing around nearby Putney Woods. Freeland, 2251 E Goodell Road; 360.331.2864; somedayfarmveganbedandbreakfast.com

Iron Springs Resort
> This oceanfront peninsula resort, open (and enjoyable) all year is ideal as a base camp for an Olympic National Park adventure (about an hour away) in the summer. In the winter and early spring during razor clamming season, it’s a food lover’s retreat; you can pluck the bivalves from the shores and cook them up in the property’s chic individual and duplex cabins ($179‒$369). It’s plush enough for a relaxing weekend, but not so cushy you’ll be tempted to forgo the outdoors. Copalis Beach, 3707 State Route 109; 360.276.4230; ironspringsresort.com

Photo by Terry Behal

Iron Horse Inn Bed and Breakfast
> Owners Matt and Leanne Martinson bought this train-themed Cle Elum property last August from owners who had been running it for 18 years. Each of four rooms ($145‒$160) is housed in its own caboose, and restored with beds, bathrooms with jetted tubs and requisite train memorabilia. Price includes breakfast (with eggs laid by resident hens), which is a good time to query the owners about what to do nearby, such as hiking the John Wayne Trail or a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. South Cle Elum, 526 Marie Ave.; 509.674.5939; ironhorseinnbb.com

Point Robinson Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters
> Vashon Island—a hot spot for both cycling and horseback riding—is also a hotbed of unique lodging. You could stay in a tepee at the AYH Ranch Hostel ($60/night, vashonhostel.com), but we like the keepers’ quarters at Vashon’s Point Robinson Lighthouse—two early 1900s houses, one with two bedrooms and the other with three. Each house features a porch and is just steps from the beach. Peak-season (through early September) rentals are available by the week only ($1,653–$1,874); beyond that, minimum two-night stays are available through May 2019. Vashon Island, 17130 Vashon Hwy. SW; 206.463.9602; vashonparks.org/pt-robinson-keepers-quarters

Salish Lodge
> Perched on the edge of Snoqualmie Falls, this lodge, more luxe and traditional, is only 30 minutes outside the city, but feels a world away. Open since 1916, Salish completed a major renovation of its 84 guest rooms (from $229) this year, adding amenities such as gas fireplaces and soaking tubs—perfect for relaxing after a day on one of the area’s abundant hiking trails. Snoqualmie, 6501 Railroad Ave. SE; 425.888.2556; salishlodge.com

Paca Pride Guest Ranch
> Animal lovers will delight in this Cascade Mountain alpaca ranch, where guests are encouraged to learn about the farm’s animals and permaculture practices. Accommodations are rustic: yurt rentals (with beds and linens, $79) or tent camping (from $20). The ranch is close to the area’s attractions and activities, such as hiking Granite Falls, kayaking nearby Robe Canyon or—yes, really—looking for Sasquatch. Granite Falls, 28311 Mountain Loop Hwy.; 360.691.3395; pacaprideguestranch.com

Evergreen Mountain Lookout
> Built in 1935 as a lookout to detect forest fires, this modest cabin on steep, picturesque Evergreen Lookout Trail is a popular pit stop for experienced hikers. It’s so popular, in fact, that rangers say you have to be ready to book six months before the date you’re hoping to stay, when the reservation books open. The cabin sleeps four; you’ll need to pack in most of your essentials (sleeping bags, toiletries, water, etc.). Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest. Find directions to the lookout at recreation.gov.

A NIGHT AFLOAT: The two-room, Wharfside Bed and Breakfast is on a 60-foot yacht that’s literally wharfside. Photo by Evolving Photography

Wharfside Bed and Breakfast
> From the ferry ride over to the endless boating activities, the water will be an integral part of your visit to San Juan Island. Keep the theme going with a stay at this two-room floating boat-and-breakfast ($195‒$215, June‒September). Note that the bathrooms and rooms are cozy, but it’s perfect for a romantic getaway at Friday Harbor. Friday Harbor, Dock K, Slip 13; 360.378.5661; thewharfside.com

Wellspring 
> The log cabins ($95‒$575) that comprise much of this resort’s accommodations—though there’s a tree house to rent if you’re not acrophobic—are the very definition of Northwest chic. Book the Tatoosh Room, where Al Gore stayed before his 1999 Mount Rainier ascent, and warm yourself in front of the stone fireplace. Heading out on your own climb? The outdoor hot tubs will be waiting for you when you return. Ashford, 54922 Kernahan Road E; wellspringspa.com

Photo courtesy of Black Forest Westfalias

Hit the Road

Mike Kane of Seattle’s Black Forest Westfalias suggests an itinerary for traveling, and staying, all in one convenient place—one of his camper vans 

DAY 1: After picking up your rental ( reserve by phone or email; $195 per day), head to Edmonds and take the ferry to Port Townsend en route to your destination: Olympic National Park and Deer Park Campground. This is an amazing high-altitude campground with sweeping views of the Olympics and bucket-list-worthy sightseeing at Hurricane Ridge nearby.  

DAY 2: Head west alongside the Strait of Juan de Fuca on State Route 112 toward magical Neah Bay and the Makah Indian Reservation ($10 permit required, makah.com). There, you’ll camp at Hobuck Beach Camp, chill with surfer families and hike to Shi Shi Beach. 

DAY 3: Continue on to Fairholme Campground on Lake Crescent. From here, drive about 30 miles on U.S. Highway 101 to the trailhead for rustic (and free) Olympic Hot Springs, a 2-mile hike in from the Elwah River valley. The more developed, resort-like Sol Duc Hot Springs is also within striking distance (about a 30-minute drive away). 

DAY 4: Ease back into civilization with a visit to charming Port Townsend and Finnriver Farm and Cidery in nearby Chimacum. It’s a great place to spend a long afternoon in the summer and revisit all your newly made memories.